Wild
and FreeDiscovering
a Port in the Stormy Landscape of Southern Franceby
Sophie Gayot

So
often bypassed for the familiar beauty of Arles, Aix-en-Provence,
Cannes
or Saint-Tropez, the Camargue is Provence's
secret treasure. While other regions play up their
gentility and sophistication, the Camargue revels
in its raw, feral temperament. It is a world of wild
horses, robust cowboys, gypsies, bullfights and flamenco.
And in the midst of this untamed mosaic: L'Estelle
en Camargue, an intimate oasis whose simplicity and
unpretentious elegance pays tribute to the tempestuous
surroundings.

This
quiet inn resides on the outskirts of scenic Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.
At the point where the Rhône River meets the
Mediterranean, the seaside resort village is the site
of annual pilgrimages to honor saints who fled Palestine
centuries ago. It is a natural destination for seekers
of refuge, as you will discover at the edge of a secluded
marsh, where L'Estelle en Camargue feels as if it
has been set down into the landscape, and the landscape
allowed to grow up uncultivated around it.

Secluded
marsh area

Pretty,
regional style

Once
a farm, the property now offers a collection of bungalows
whose twenty bedrooms are done in a pretty, regional
style. The buildings wrap around a striking swimming
pool and adjacent pond, and are reached by walkways
and bridges that cross the water. Rustic elements
such as exposed log beam ceilings are paired with
cheerful Provençal hues and bucolic—yet
stylish—furnishings. There are all sorts of
comforts, including TVs, but chances are you'd rather
spend your time on your private terrace watching the
real show: the surrounding wilderness.

The
presence of palm trees and terrace dining lends a
resort atmosphere, while two gourmet restaurants—Le
Petit Gourmet and Le Bistrot—ensure the kind
of upscale culinary experience expected from a classic
French relais. Fine wines, evenings filled with music
and a setting in Camargue Regional Natural Park, surrounded
by marshes and sand dunes, provide a unique blend
of indulgence and adventure that sets L'Estelle en
Camargue apart.